Unlocking Shader Artistry: A Journey through ‘The Book of Shaders’ with vvvv gamma and FUSE
Winter Season 2023

Recording of February 22nd 2024 in English Language
Recordings are accessible for up to one year after purchase.
This workshop offers an accessible introduction to the world of shader patching using vvvv gamma and FUSE. Taking inspiration from “The Book of Shaders” by Patricio Gonzalez Vivo and Jen Lowe, we’ll look into the fundamental principles and techniques that allow the creation of procedural shapes, intricate patterns, and captivating textures.
We’ll kick things off with an exploration of the inner workings of graphics cards, taking a closer look at essential shader language commands. As we build this foundation, you’ll gain the skills needed to develop your own shapes, patterns, and transformative effects. We will also look at generative functions like random and noise, developing them partially from scratch and look at how they relate with the set of nodes included in vvvv gamma and FUSE.
This workshop is your gateway to the world of shader artistry, and you don’t need to be an expert to join in. We’ll provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to unleash your creativity and explore the art of procedural visuals.
What is FUSE?
FUSE is a groundbreaking VL library for vvvv, that’s making waves in the world of real-time content creation. Its development partner is Refik Anadol Studio, and it’s widely recognized as a go-to standard for realtime rendering in creative software studios worldwide.
For further information about the FUSE Library, you can explore the following links:
Course Outline
- CPU vs. GPU: Understand the fundamental distinction between the central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU), and why the GPU is your canvas for shader artistry.
- Shader Patching Fundamentals: Learn the essential nodes that empower you to patch shaders, and gain a solid grasp of the shader language commands at your disposal.
- Procedural Artistry: Dive into the creation of procedural shapes, patterns, and textures.
Generative Functions: Discovering the art of generative functions, and how to leverage them as a starting point for designing with them.
Requirements
This module is made for participants who have a basic understanding of vvvv and some familiarity with vector mathematics. While this workshop is a compendium to the “Book of Shaders,” you don’t need to have worked through the examples in advance. We’re here to guide you through this artistic exploration.
- A recent PC with stable internet connection
- vvvv runs on Windows only
- The latest build of vvvv gamma installed
- Zoom Client installed (please test your audio setup beforehand)
- 3-Button Mouse recommended
About the Instructor

Vincent Nowak (aka vincent.now) is a practicing architect and researcher based in London. He works at the intersection of urban design, media installation and architecture. He is Co-Founder and Director of Flow Architecture, Senior Associate at UHA London and Lecturer for Urban Design at the UCL Bartlett.
Pricing
Student – One Session at 50 EUR = 50 EUR
Professional – One Session at 100 EUR = 100 EUR
Company – One Session at 200 EUR = 200 EUR